Power generation within a motionless electromagnetic generator

ABSTRACT

An electromagnetic generator without moving parts includes a permanent magnet and a magnetic core including first and second magnetic paths. A first input coil and a first output coil extend around portions of the first magnetic path, while a second input coil and a second output coil extend around portions of the second magnetic path. The input coils are alternatively pulsed to provide induced current pulses in the output coils. Driving electrical current through each of the input coils reduces a level of flux from the permanent magnet within the magnet path around which the input coil extends. In an alternative embodiment of an electromagnetic generator, the magnetic core includes annular spaced-apart plates, with posts and permanent magnets extending in an alternating fashion between the plates. An output coil extends around each of these posts. Input coils extending around portions of the plates are pulsed to cause the induction of current within the output coils.

[0001] This application is a continuation of a copending U.S.application Ser. No. 09/656,313, filed 09/06/00, titled “MotionlessElectromagnetic Generator,” for which the issue fee has been paid.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] 1. Field of Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a magnetic generator used to produceelectrical power without moving parts, and, more particularly, to such adevice having a capability, when operating, of producing electricalpower without an external application of input power through inputcoils.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] The patent literature describes a number of magnetic generators,each of which includes a permanent magnet, two magnetic paths externalto the permanent magnet, each of which extends between the oppositepoles of the permanent magnet, switching means for causing magnetic fluxto flow alternately along each of the two magnetic paths, and one ormore output coils in which current is induced to flow by means ofchanges in the magnetic field within the device. These devices operatein accordance with an extension of Faraday's Law, indicating that anelectrical current is induced within a conductor within a changingmagnetic field, even if the source of the magnetic field is stationary.

[0006] A method for switching magnetic flux to flow predominantly alongeither of two magnetic paths between opposite poles of a permanentmagnet is described as a “flux transfer” principle by R. J. Radus inEngineer's Digest, Jul. 23, 1963. This principle is used to exert apowerful magnetic force at one end of both the north and south poles anda very low force at the other end, without being used in theconstruction of a magnetic generator. This effect can be causedmechanically, by keeper movement, or electrically, by driving electricalcurrent through one or more control windings extending around elongatedversions of the pole pieces 14. Several devices using this effect aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,165,723, 3,228,013, and 3,316,514, whichare incorporated herein by reference.

[0007] Another step toward the development of a magnetic generator isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,368,141, which is incorporated herein byreference, as a device including a permanent magnet in combination witha transformer having first and second windings about a core, with twopaths for magnetic flux leading from each pole of the permanent magnetto either end of the core, so that, when an alternating current inducesmagnetic flux direction changes in the core, the magnetic flux from thepermanent magnet is automatically directed through the path whichcorresponds with the direction taken by the magnetic flux through thecore due to the current. In this way, the magnetic flux is intensified.This device can be used to improve the power factor of a typicallyinductively loaded alternating current circuit.

[0008] Other patents describe magnetic generators in which electricalcurrent from one or more output coils is described as being madeavailable to drive a load, in the more conventional manner of agenerator. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,006,401, which is incorporatedherein by reference, describes an electromagnetic generator includingpermanent magnet and a core member, in which the magnetic flux flowingfrom the magnet in the core member is rapidly alternated by switching togenerate an alternating current in a winding on the core member. Thedevice includes a permanent magnet and two separate magnetic fluxcircuit paths between the north and south poles of the magnet. Each ofthe circuit paths includes two switching means for alternately openingand closing the circuit paths, generating an alternating current in awinding on the core member. Each of the switching means includes aswitching magnetic circuit intersecting the circuit path, with theswitching magnetic circuit having a coil through which current is drivento induce magnetic flux to saturate the circuit path extending to thepermanent magnet. Power to drive these coils is derived directly fromthe output of a continuously applied alternating current source. What isneeded is an electromagnetic generator not requiring the application ofsuch a current source.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,077,001, which is incorporated herein byreference, describes a magnetic generator, or dc/dc converter,comprising a permanent magnet having spaced-apart poles and a permanentmagnetic field extending between the poles of the magnet. Avariable-reluctance core is disposed in the field in fixed relation tothe magnet and the reluctance of the core is varied to cause the patternof lines of force of the magnetic field to shift. An output conductor isdisposed in the field in fixed relation to the magnet and is positionedto be cut by the shifting lines of permanent magnetic force so that avoltage is induced in the conductor. The magnetic flux is switchedbetween alternate paths by means of switching coils extending aroundportions of the core, with the flow of current being alternated betweenthese switching coils by means of a pair of transistors driven by theoutputs of a flip-flop. The input to the flip flop is driven by anadjustable frequency oscillator. Power for this drive circuit issupplied through an additional, separate power source. What is needed isa magnetic generator not requiring the application of such a powersource.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,904,926, which is incorporated herein byreference, describes another magnetic generator using the motion of amagnetic field. The device includes an electrical winding defining amagnetically conductive zone having bases at each end, the windingincluding elements for the removing of an induced current therefrom. Thegenerator further includes two pole magnets, each having a first and asecond pole, each first pole in magnetic communication with one base ofthe magnetically conductive zone. The generator further includes a thirdpole magnet, the third pole magnet oriented intermediately of the firstpoles of the two pole electromagnets, the third pole magnet having amagnetic axis substantially transverse to an axis of the magneticallyconductive zone, the third magnet having a pole nearest to theconductive zone and in magnetic attractive relationship to the firstpoles of the two pole electromagnets, in which the first poles thereofare like poles. Also included in the generator are elements, in the formof windings, for cyclically reversing the magnetic polarities of theelectromagnets. These reversing means, through a cyclical change in themagnetic polarities of the electromagnets, cause the magnetic flux linesassociated with the magnetic attractive relationship between the firstpoles of the electromagnets and the nearest pole of the third magnet tocorrespondingly reverse, causing a wiping effect across the magneticallyconductive zone, as lines of magnetic flux swing between respectivefirst poles of the two electromagnets, thereby inducing electronmovement within the output windings and thus generating a flow ofcurrent within the output windings.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,892, which is incorporated herein byreference, describes a magnetic generator in the form of a directcurrent flux compression transformer including a magnetic envelopehaving poles defining a magnetic axis and characterized by a pattern ofmagnetic flux lines in polar symmetry about the axis. The magnetic fluxlines are spatially displaced relative to the magnetic envelope usingcontrol elements which are mechanically stationary relative to the core.Further provided are inductive elements which are also mechanicallystationary relative to the magnetic envelope. Spatial displacement ofthe flux relative to the inductive elements causes a flow of electricalcurrent. Further provided are magnetic flux valves which provide for thevarying of the magnetic reluctance to create a time domain pattern ofrespectively enhanced and decreased magnetic reluctance across themagnetic valves, and, thereby, across the inductive elements.

[0012] Other patents describe devices using superconductive elements tocause movement of the magnetic flux. These devices operate in accordancewith the Meissner effect, which describes the expulsion of magnetic fluxfrom the interior of a superconducting structure as the structureundergoes the transition to a superconducting phase. For example, U.S.Pat. No. 5,011,821, which is incorporated herein by reference, describesan electric power generating device including a bundle of conductorswhich are placed in a magnetic field generated by north and south polepieces of a permanent magnet. The magnetic field is shifted back andforth through the bundle of conductors by a pair of thin films ofsuperconductive material. One of the thin films is placed in thesuperconducting state while the other thin film is in anon-superconducting state. As the states are cyclically reversed betweenthe two films, the magnetic field is deflected back and forth throughthe bundle of conductors.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,327,015, which is incorporated herein byreference, describes an apparatus for producing an electrical impulsecomprising a tube made of superconducting material, a source of magneticflux mounted about one end of the tube, a means, such as a coil, forintercepting the flux mounted along the tube, and a means for changingthe temperature of the superconductor mounted about the tube. As thetube is progressively made superconducting, the magnetic field istrapped within the tube, creating an electrical impulse in the means forintercepting. A reversal of the superconducting state produces a secondpulse.

[0014] None of the patented devices described above use a portion of theelectrical power generated within the device to power the reversingmeans used to change the path of magnetic flux. Thus, like conventionalrotary generators, these devices require a steady input of power, whichmay be in the form of electrical power driving the reversing means ofone of these magnetic generators or the torque driving the rotor of aconventional rotary generator. Yet, the essential function of themagnetic portion of an electrical generator is simply to switch magneticfields in accordance with precise timing. In most conventionalapplications of magnetic generators, the voltage is switched acrosscoils, creating magnetic fields in the coils which are used to overridethe fields of permanent magnets, so that a substantial amount of powermust be furnished to the generator to power the switching means,reducing the efficiency of the generator.

[0015] Recent advances in magnetic material, which have particularlybeen described by Robert C. O'Handley in Modern Magnetic Materials,Principles and Applications, John Wiley & Sons, New York, pp. 456-468,provide nanocrystalline magnetic alloys, which are particularly wellsuited for the rapid switching of magnetic flux. These alloys areprimarily composed of crystalline grains, or crystallites, each of whichhas at least one dimension of a few nanometers. Nanocrystallinematerials may be made by heat-treating amorphous alloys which formprecursors for the nanocrystalline materials, to which insolubleelements, such as copper, are added to promote massive nucleation, andto which stable, refractory alloying materials, such as niobium ortantalum carbide are added to inhibit grain growth. Most of the volumeof nanocrystalline alloys is composed of randomly distributedcrystallites having dimensions of about 2-40 nm. These crystallites arenucleated and grown from an amorphous phase, with insoluble elementsbeing rejected during the process of crystallite growth. In magneticterms, each crystallite is a single-domain particle. The remainingvolume of nanocrystalline alloys is made up of an amorphous phase in theform of grain boundaries having a thickness of about 1 nm.

[0016] Magnetic materials having particularly useful properties areformed from an amorphous Co—Nb—B (cobalt-niobium-boron) alloy havingnear-zero magnetostriction and relatively strong magnetization, as wellas good mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. A process ofannealing this material can be varied to change the size of crystallitesformed in the material, with a resulting strong effect on DC coercivity.The precipitation of nanocrystallites also enhances AC performance ofthe otherwise amorphous alloys.

[0017] Other magnetic materials are formed using iron-rich amorphous andnanocrystalline alloys, which generally show larger magnetization thatthe alloys based on cobalt. Such materials are, for example,Fe—B—Si—Nb—Cu (iron-boron-silicon-niobium-copper) alloys. While thepermeability of iron-rich amorphous alloys is limited by theirrelatively large levels of magnetostriction, the formation of ananocrystalline material from such an amorphous alloy dramaticallyreduces this level of magnetostriction, favoring easy magnetization.

[0018] Advances have also been made in the development of materials forpermanent magnets, particularly in the development of materialsincluding rare earth elements. Such materials include samarium cobalt,SmCo₅, which is used to form a permanent magnet material having thehighest resistance to demagnetization of any known material. Othermagnetic materials are made, for example, using combinations of iron,neodymium, and boron.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] It is a first objective of the present invention to provide amagnetic generator which a need for an external power source duringoperation of the generator is eliminated.

[0020] It is a second objective of the present invention to provide amagnetic generator in which a magnetic flux path is changed without aneed to overpower a magnetic field to change its direction.

[0021] It is a third objective of the present invention to provide amagnetic generator in which the generation of electricity isaccomplished without moving parts.

[0022] In the apparatus of the present invention, the path of themagnetic flux from a permanent magnet is switched in a manner notrequiring the overpowering of the magnetic fields. Furthermore, aprocess of self-initiated iterative switching is used to switch themagnetic flux from the permanent magnet between alternate magnetic pathswithin the apparatus, with the power to operate the iterative switchingbeing provided through a control circuit consisting of components knownto use low levels of power. With self-switching, a need for an externalpower source during operation of the generator is eliminated, with aseparate power source, such as a battery, being used only for a veryshort time during start-up of the generator.

[0023] According to a first aspect of the present invention, anelectromagnetic generator is provided, including a permanent magnet, amagnetic core, first and second input coils, first and second outputcoils, and a switching circuit. The permanent magnet has magnetic polesat opposite ends. The magnetic core includes a first magnetic path,around which the first input and output coils extend, and a secondmagnetic path, around which the second input and output coils extend,between opposite ends of the permanent magnet. The switching circuitdrives electrical current alternately through the first and second inputcoils. The electrical current driven through the first input oil causesthe first input coil to produce a magnetic field opposing aconcentration of magnetic flux from the permanent magnet within thefirst magnetic path. The electrical current driven through the secondinput coil causes the second input coil to produce a magnetic fieldopposing a concentration of magnetic flux from the permanent magnetwithin the second magnetic path.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, anelectromagnetic generator is provided, including a magnetic core, aplurality of permanent magnets, first and second pluralities of inputcoils, a plurality of output coils, and a switching circuit. Themagnetic core includes a pair of spaced-apart plates, each of which hasa central aperture, and first and second pluralities of posts extendingbetween the spaced-apart plates. The permanent magnets each extendbetween the pair of spaced apart plates. Each permanent magnet hasmagnetic poles at opposite ends, with the magnetic fields of all thepermanent magnets being aligned to extend in a common direction. Eachinput coil extends around a portion of a plate within the spaced-apartplates, between a post and a permanent magnet. An output coil extendsaround each post. The switching circuit drives electrical currentalternately through the first and second pluralities of input coils.Electrical current driven through each input coil in the first pluralityof input coils causes an increase in magnetic flux within each postwithin the first plurality of posts from permanent magnets on each sideof the post and a decrease in magnetic flux within each post within thesecond plurality of posts from permanent magnets on each side of thepost. Electrical current driven through each input coil in the secondplurality of input coils causes a decrease in magnetic flux within eachpost within the first plurality of posts from permanent magnets on eachside of the post and an increase in magnetic flux within each postwithin the second plurality of posts from permanent magnets on each sideof the post.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025]FIG. 1 is a partly schematic front elevation of a magneticgenerator and associated electrical circuits built in accordance with afirst version of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a first version of a switching andcontrol circuit within the associated electrical circuits of FIG. 1;

[0027]FIG. 3 is a graphical view of drive signals produced within thecircuit of FIG. 2;

[0028]FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a second version of a switching andcontrol circuit within the associated electrical circuits of FIG. 1;

[0029]FIG. 5 is a graphical view of drive signals produced within thecircuit of FIG. 3;

[0030]FIG. 6A is a graphical view of a first drive signal within theapparatus of FIG. 1;

[0031]FIG. 6B is a graphical view of a second drive signal within theapparatus of FIG. 1;

[0032]FIG. 6C is a graphical view of an input voltage signal within theapparatus of FIG. 1;

[0033]FIG. 6D is a graphical view of an input current signal within theapparatus of FIG. 1;

[0034]FIG. 6E is a graphical view of a first output voltage signalwithin the apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0035]FIG. 6F is a graphical view of a second output voltage signalwithin the apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0036]FIG. 6G is a graphical view of a first output current signalwithin the apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0037]FIG. 6H is a graphical view of a second output current signalwithin the apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0038]FIG. 7 is a graphical view of output power measured within theapparatus of FIG. 1, as a function of input voltage;

[0039]FIG. 8 is a graphical view of a coefficient of performance,calculated from measurements within the apparatus of FIG. 1, as afunction of input voltage;

[0040]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional elevation of a second version of thefirst embodiment of the present invention;

[0041]FIG. 10 is a top view of a magnetic generator built in accordancewith a first version of a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0042]FIG. 11 is a front elevation of the magnetic generator of FIG. 10;and

[0043]FIG. 12 is a top view of a magnetic generator built in accordancewith a second version of the second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044]FIG. 1 is a partly schematic front elevation of an electromagneticgenerator 10, built in accordance with a first embodiment of the presentinvention to include a permanent magnet 12 to supply input lines ofmagnetic flux moving from the north pole 14 of the magnet 12 outwardinto magnetic flux path core material 16. The flux path core material 16is configured to form a right magnetic path 18 and a left magnetic path20, both of which extend externally between the north pole 14 and thesouth pole 22 of the magnet 12. The electromagnetic generator 10 isdriven by means of a switching and control circuit 24, which alternatelydrives electrical current through a right input coil 26 and a left inputcoil 28. These input coils 26, 28 each extend around a portion of thecore material 16, with the right input coil 26 surrounding a portion ofthe right magnetic path 18 and with the left input coil 28 surrounding aportion of the left magnetic path 20. A right output coil 29 alsosurrounds a portion of the right magnetic path 18, while a left outputcoil 30 surrounds a portion of the left magnetic path 20.

[0045] In accordance with a preferred version of the present invention,the switching and control circuit 24 and the input coils 26, 28 arearranged so that, when the right input coil 26 is energized, a northmagnetic pole is present at its left end 31, the end closest to thenorth pole 14 of the permanent magnet 12, and so that, when the leftinput coil 28 is energized, a north magnetic pole is present at itsright end 32, which is also the end closest to the north pole 14 of thepermanent magnet 12. Thus, when the right input coil 26 is magnetized,magnetic flux from the permanent magnet 12 is repelled from extendingthrough the right input coil 26. Similarly, when the left input coil 28is magnetized, magnetic flux from the permanent magnet 12 is repelledfrom extending through the left input coil 28.

[0046] Thus, it is seen that driving electrical current through theright input coil 26 opposes a concentration of flux from the permanentmagnet 12 within the right magnetic path 18, causing at least some ofthis flux to be transferred to the left magnetic path 20. On the otherhand, driving electrical current through the left input coil 28 opposesa concentration of flux from the permanent magnet 12 within the leftmagnetic path 20, causing at least some of this flux to be transferredto the right magnetic path 18.

[0047] While in the example of FIG. 1, the input coils 26, 28 are placedon either side of the north pole of the permanent magnet 12, beingarranged along a portion of the core 16 extending from the north pole ofthe permanent magnet 12, it is understood that the input coils 26, 28could as easily be alternately placed on either side of the south poleof the permanent magnet 12, being arranged along a portion of the core16 extending from the south pole of the permanent magnet 12, with theinput coils 26, 28 being wired to form, when energized, magnetic fieldshaving south poles directed toward the south pole of the permanentmagnet 12. In general, the input coils 26, 28 are arranged along themagnetic core on either side of an end of the permanent magnet forming afirst pole, such as a north pole, with the input coils being arranged toproduce magnetic fields of the polarity of the first pole directedtoward the first pole of the permanent magnet.

[0048] Further in accordance with a preferred version of the presentinvention, the input coils 26, 28 are never driven with so much currentthat the core material 16 becomes saturated. Driving the core material16 to saturation means that subsequent increases in input current canoccur without effecting corresponding changes in magnetic flux, andtherefore that input power can be wasted. In this way, the apparatus ofthe present invention is provided with an advantage in terms of theefficient use of input power over the apparatus of U.S. Pat. No.4,000,401, in which a portion both ends of each magnetic path is drivento saturation to block flux flow. In the electromagnetic generator 10,the switching of current flow within the input coils 26, 28 does notneed to be sufficient to stop the flow of flux in one of the magneticpaths 18, 20 while promoting the flow of magnetic flux in the othermagnetic path. The electromagnetic generator 10 works by changing theflux pattern; it does not need to be completely switched from one sideto another.

[0049] Experiments have determined that this configuration is superior,in terms of the efficiency of using power within the input coils 26, 28to generate electrical power within the output coils 29, 30, to thealternative of arranging input coils and the circuits driving them sothat flux from the permanent magnet is driven through the input coils asthey are energized. This arrangement of the present invention provides asignificant advantage over the prior-art methods shown, for example, inU.S. Pat. No. 4,077,001, in which the magnetic flux is driven throughthe energized coils.

[0050] The configuration of the present invention also has an advantageover the prior-art configurations of U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,368,141 and4,077,001 in that the magnetic flux is switched between two alternatemagnetic paths 18, 20 with only a single input coil 26, 28 surroundingeach of the alternate magnetic paths. The configurations of U.S. Pat.Nos. 3,368,141 and 4,077,001 each require two input coils on each of themagnetic paths. This advantage of the present invention is significantboth in the simplification of hardware and in increasing the efficiencyof power conversion.

[0051] The right output coil 29 is electrically connected to a rectifierand filter 33, having an output driven through a regulator 34, whichprovides an output voltage adjustable through the use of a potentiometer35. The output of the linear regulator 34 is in turn provided as aninput to a sensing and switching circuit 36. Under start up conditions,the sensing and switching circuit 36 connects the switching and controlcircuit 24 to an external power source 38, which is, for example, astarting battery. After the electromagnetic generator 10 is properlystarted, the sensing and switching circuit 36 senses that the voltageavailable from regulator 34 has reached a predetermined level, so thatthe power input to the switching and control circuit 24 is switched fromthe external power source 38 to the output of regulator 34. After thisswitching occurs, the electromagnetic generator 10 continues to operatewithout an application of external power.

[0052] The left output coil 30 is electrically connected to a rectifierand filter 40, the output of which is connected to a regulator 42, theoutput voltage of which is adjusted by means of a potentiometer 43. Theoutput of the regulator 42 is in turn connected to an external load 44.

[0053]FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a first version of the switching andcontrol circuit 24. An oscillator 50 drives the clock input of aflip-flop 54, with the Q and Q′ outputs of the flip-flop 54 beingconnected through driver circuits 56, 58 to power FETS 60, 62 so thatthe input coils 26, 28 are alternately driven. In accordance with apreferred version of the present invention, the voltage V applied to thecoils 26, 28 through the FETS 60, 62 is derived from the output of thesensing and switching circuit 36.

[0054]FIG. 3 is a graphical view of the signals driving the gates ofFETS 60, 62 of FIG. 2, with the voltage of the signal driving the gateof FET 60 being represented by line 64, and with the voltage of thesignal driving FET 62 being represented by line 66. Both of the coils26, 28 are driven with positive voltages.

[0055]FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a second version of the switchingand control circuit 24. In this version, an oscillator 70 drives theclock input of a flip-flop 72, with the Q and Q′ outputs of theflip-flop 72 being connected to serve as triggers for one-shots 74, 76.The outputs of the one-shots 74, 76 are in turn connected through drivercircuits 78, 80 to drive FETS 82, 84, so that the input coils 26, 28 arealternately driven with pulses shorter in duration than the Q and Q′outputs of the flip flop 72.

[0056]FIG. 5 is a graphical view of the signals driving the gates ofFETS 82, 84 of FIG. 4, with the voltage of the signal driving the gateof FET 82 being represented by line 86, and with the voltage of thesignal driving the gate of FET 84 being represented by line 88.

[0057] Referring again to FIG. 1, power is generated in the right outputcoil 29 only when the level of magnetic flux is changing in the rightmagnetic path 18, and in the left output coil 30 only when the level ofmagnetic flux is changing in the left magnetic path 20. It is thereforedesirable to determine, for a specific magnetic generator configuration,the width of a pulse providing the most rapid practical change inmagnetic flux, and then to provide this pulse width either by varyingthe frequency of the oscillator 50 of the apparatus of FIG. 2, so thatthis pulse width is provided with the signals shown in FIG. 3, or byvarying the time constant of the one-shots 74, 76 of FIG. 4, so thatthis pulse width is provided by the signals of FIG. 5 at a loweroscillator frequency. In this way, the input coils are not left onlonger than necessary. When either of the input coils is left on for aperiod of time longer than that necessary to produce the change in fluxdirection, power is being wasted through heating within the input coilwithout additional generation of power in the corresponding output coil.

[0058] A number of experiments have been conducted to determine theadequacy of an electromagnetic generator built as the generator 10 inFIG. 1 to produce power both to drive the switching and control logic,providing power to the input coils 26, 28, and to drive an external load44. In the configuration used in this experiment, the input coils 26, 28had 40 turns of 18-gauge copper wire, and the output coils 29, 30 had450 turns of 18-gauge copper wire. The permanent magnet 12 had a heightof 40 mm (1.575 in. between its north and south poles, in the directionof arrow 89, a width of 25.4 mm (1.00 in.), in the direction of arrow90, and in the other direction, a depth of 38.1 mm (1.50 in.). The core16 had a height, in the direction of arrow 89, of 90 mm (3.542 in.), awidth, in the direction of arrow 90, of 135 mm (5.315 in.) and a depthof 70 mm (2.756 in.). The core 16 had a central hole with a height, inthe direction of arrow 89, of 40 mm (1.575 mm) to accommodate the magnet12, and a width, in the direction of arrow 90, of 85 mm (3.346 in.). Thecore 16 was fabricated of two “C”-shaped halves, joined at lines 92, toaccommodate the winding of output coils 29, 30 and input coils 26, 28over the core material.

[0059] The core material was a laminated iron-based magnetic alloy soldby Honeywell as METGLAS Magnetic Alloy 2605SA1. The magnet material wasa combination of iron, neodymium, and boron.

[0060] The input coils 26, 28 were driven at an oscillator frequency of87.5 KHz, which was determined to produce optimum efficiency using aswitching control circuit configured as shown in FIG. 2. This frequencyhas a period of 11.45 microseconds. The flip flop 54 is arranged, forexample, to be set and reset on rising edges of the clock signal inputfrom the oscillator, so that each pulse driving one of the FETS 60, 62has a duration of 11.45 microseconds, and so that sequential pulses arealso separated to each FET are also separated by 11.45 microseconds.

[0061] FIGS. 6A-6H are graphical views of signals which simultaneouslyoccurred within the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 during operation with anapplied input voltage of 75 volts. FIG. 6A shows a first drive signal100 driving FET 60, which conducts to drive the right input coil 26.FIG. 6B is shows a second drive signal 102 driving FET 62, whichconducts to drive the left input coil 28.

[0062]FIGS. 6C and 6D show voltage and current signals associated withcurrent driving both the FETS 60, 62 from a battery source. FIG. 6Cshows the level 104 of voltage V. While the nominal voltage of thebattery was 75 volts, a decaying transient signal 106 is superimposed onthis voltage each time one of the FETS 60, 62 is switched on to conduct.The specific pattern of this transient signal depends on the internalresistance of the battery, as well as on a number of characteristics ofthe magnetic generator 10. Similarly, FIG. 6D shows the current 106flowing into both FETS 60, 62 from the battery source. Since the signals104, 106 show the effects of current flowing into both FETS 60, 62 thetransient spikes are 11.45 microseconds apart.

[0063] FIGS. 6E-6H show voltage and current levels measured at theoutput coils 29, 30. FIG. 6E shows a voltage output signal 108 of theright output coil 29, while FIG. 6F shows a voltage output signal 110 ofthe left output coil 30. For example, the output current signal 116 ofthe right output coil 29 includes a first transient spike 112 causedwhen the a current pulse in the left input coil 28 is turned on todirect magnetic flux through the right magnetic path 18, and a secondtransient spike 114 caused when the left input coil 28 is turned offwith the right input coil 26 being turned on. FIG. 6G shows a currentoutput signal 116 of the right output coil 29, while FIG. 6H shows acurrent output signal 118 of the left output coil 30.

[0064]FIG. 7 is a graphical view of output power measured using theelectromagnetic generator 10 and eight levels of input voltage, varyingfrom 10 v to 75 v. The oscillator frequency was retained at 87.5 KHz.The measurement points are represented by indicia 120, while the curve122 is generated by polynomial regression analysis using a least squaresfit.

[0065]FIG. 8 is a graphical view of a coefficient of performance,defined as the ratio of the output power to the input power, for each ofthe measurement points shown in FIG. 7. At each measurement point, theoutput power was substantially higher than the input power. Real powermeasurements were computed at each data point using measured voltage andcurrent levels, with the results being averaged over the period of thesignal. These measurements agree with RMS power measured using aTextronic THS730 digital oscilloscope.

[0066] While the electromagnetic generator 10 was capable of operationat much higher voltages and currents without saturation, the inputvoltage was limited to 75 volts because of voltage limitations of theswitching circuits being used. Those skilled in the relevant art willunderstand that components for switching circuits capable of handlinghigher voltages in this application are readily available. Theexperimentally-measured data was extrapolated to describe operation atan input voltage of 100 volts, with the input current being 140 ma, theinput power being 14 watts, and with a resulting output power being 48watts for each of the two output coils 29, 30, at an average outputcurrent of 12 ma and an average output voltage of 4000 volts. This meansthat for each of the output coils 29, 30, the coefficient of performancewould be 3.44.

[0067] While an output voltage of 4000 volts may be needed for someapplications, the output voltage can also be varied through a simplechange in the configuration of the electromagnetic generator 10. Theoutput voltage is readily reduced by reducing the number of turns in theoutput windings. If this number of turns is decreased from 450 to 12,the output voltage is dropped to 106.7, with a resulting increase inoutput current to 0.5 amps for each output coil 29, 30. In this way, theoutput current and voltage of the electromagnetic generator can bevaried by varying the number of turns of the output coils 29, 30,without making a substantial change in the output power, which isinstead determined by the input current, which determines the amount ofmagnetic flux shuttled during the switching process.

[0068] The coefficients of performance, all of which were significantlygreater than 1, plotted in FIG. 8 indicate that the output power levelsmeasured in each of the output coils 29, 30 were substantially greaterthan the corresponding input power levels driving both of the inputcoils 26, 28. Therefore, it is apparent that the electromagneticgenerator 10 can be built in a self-actuating form, as discussed abovein reference to FIG. 1. In the example of FIG. 1, except for a briefapplication of power from the external power source 38, to start theprocess of power generation, the power required to drive the input coils26, 28 is derived entirely from power developed within the right outputcoil 29. If the power generated in a single output coil 29, 30 is morethan sufficient to drive the input coils 26, 28, an additional load 126may be added to be driven with power generated in the output coil 29used to generate power to drive the input coils 26, 28. On the otherhand, each of the output coils 29, 30 may be used to drive a portion ofthe input coil power requirements, for example with one of the outputcoils 26, 28 providing the voltage V for the FET 60 (shown in FIG. 2),while the other output coil provides this voltage for the FET 62.

[0069] Regarding thermodynamic considerations, it is noted that, whenthe electromagnetic generator 10 is operating, it is an open system notin thermodynamic equilibrium. The system receives static energy from themagnetic flux of the permanent magnet. Because the electromagneticgenerator 10 is self-switched without an additional energy input, thethermodynamic operation of the system is an open dissipative system,receiving, collecting, and dissipating energy from its environment; inthis case, from the magnetic flux stored within the permanent magnet.Continued operation of the electromagnetic generator 10 causesdemagnetization of the permanent magnet. The use of a magnetic materialincluding rare earth elements, such as a samarium cobalt material or amaterial including iron, neodymium, and boron is preferable within thepresent invention, since such a magnetic material has a relatively longlife in this application.

[0070] Thus, an electromagnetic generator operating in accordance withthe present invention should be considered not as a perpetual motionmachine, but rather as a system in which flux radiated from a permanentmagnet is converted into electricity, which is used both to power theapparatus and to power an external load. This is analogous to a systemincluding a nuclear reactor, in which a number of fuel rods radiateenergy which is used to keep the chain reaction going and to heat waterfor the generation of electricity to drive external loads.

[0071]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional elevation of an electromagneticgenerator 130 built in accordance with a second version of the firstembodiment of the present invention. This electromagnetic generator 130is generally similar in construction and operation to theelectromagnetic generator 10 built in accordance with the first versionof this embodiment, except that the magnetic core 132 of theelectromagnetic generator 10 is built in two halves joined along lines134, allowing each of the output coils 135 to be wound on a plasticbobbin 136 before the bobbin 136 is placed over the legs 137 of the core132. FIG. 9 also shows an alternate placement of an input coil 138. Inthe example of FIG. 1, both input coils 26, 28 were placed on the upperportion of the magnetic core 16, with these coils 26, 28 beingconfigured to establish magnetic fields having north magnetic poles atthe inner ends 31, 32 of the coils 26, 28, with these north magneticpoles thus being closest to the end 14 of the permanent magnet 12 havingits north magnetic pole. In the example of FIG. 9, a first input coil 26is as described above in reference to FIG. 1, but the second input coil138 is placed adjacent the south pole 140 of the permanent magnet 12.This input coil 138 is configured to establish a south magnetic pole atits inner end 142, so that, when input coil 138 is turned on, flux fromthe permanent magnet 12 is directed away from the left magnetic path 20into the right magnetic path 18.

[0072]FIGS. 10 and 11 show an electromagnetic generator 150 built inaccordance with a first version of a second embodiment of the presentinvention, with FIG. 10 being a top view thereof, and with FIG. 11 beinga front elevation thereof. This electromagnetic generator 150 includesan output coil 152, 153 at each corner, and a permanent magnet 154extending along each side between output coils. The magnetic core 156includes an upper plate 158, a lower plate 160, and a square post 162extending within each output coil 152, 153. Both the upper plate 158 andthe lower plate 160 include central apertures 164.

[0073] Each of the permanent magnets 154 is oriented with a like pole,such as a north pole, against the upper plate 158. Eight input coils166, 168 are placed in positions around the upper plate 158 between anoutput coil 152, 153 and a permanent magnet 154. Each input coil 166,168 is arranged to form a magnetic pole at its end nearest to theadjacent permanent magnet 154 of a like polarity to the magnetic polesof the magnets 154 adjacent the upper plate 158. Thus, the input coils166 are switched on to divert magnetic flux of the permanent magnets 154from the adjacent output coils 152, with this flux being diverted intomagnetic paths through the output coils 153. Then, the input coils 168are switched on to divert magnetic flux of the permanent magnets 154from the adjacent output coils 153, with this flux being diverted intomagnetic paths through the output coils 152. Thus, the input coils forma first group of input coils 166 and a second group of input coils 168,with these first and second groups of input coils being alternatelyenergized in the manner described above in reference to FIG. 1 for thesingle input coils 26, 28. The output coils produce current in a firsttrain of pulses occurring simultaneously within coils 152 and in asecond train of pulses occurring simultaneously within coils 153.

[0074] Thus, driving current through input coils 166 causes an increasein flux from the permanent magnets 154 within the posts 162 extendingthrough output coils 153 and a decrease in flux from the permanentmagnets 154 within the posts 162 extending through output coils 152. Onthe other hand, driving current through input coils 168 causes adecrease in flux from the permanent magnets 154 within the posts 162extending through output coils 153 and an increase in flux from thepermanent magnets 154 within the posts 162 extending through outputcoils 152.

[0075] While the example of FIGS. 10 and 11 shows all of the input coils166, 168 deployed along the upper plate 158, it is understood thatcertain of these input coils 166, 168 could alternately be deployedaround the lower plate 160, in the manner generally shown in FIG. 9,with one input coil 166, 168 being within each magnetic circuit betweena permanent magnet 154 and an adjacent post 162 extending within anoutput coil 152, 153, and with each input coil 166, 168 being arrangedto produce a magnetic field having a magnetic pole like the closest poleof the adjacent permanent magnet 154.

[0076]FIG. 12 is a top view of a second version 170 of the secondembodiment of the present invention, which is similar to the firstversion thereof, which has been discussed in reference to FIGS. 10 and11, except that an upper plate 172 and a similar lower plate (not shown)are annular in shape, while the permanent magnets 174 and posts 176extending through the output coils 178 are cylindrical. The input coils180 are oriented and switched as described above in reference to FIGS. 9and 10.

[0077] While the example of FIG. 12 shows four permanent magnets, fouroutput coils and eight input coils it is understood that the principlesdescribed above can be applied to electromagnetic generators havingdifferent numbers of elements. For example, such a device can be builtto have two permanent magnets, two output coils, and four input coils,or to have six permanent magnets, six output coils, and twelve inputcoils.

[0078] In accordance with the present invention, material used formagnetic cores is preferably a nanocrystalline alloy, and alternately anamorphous alloy. The material is preferably in a laminated form. Forexample, the core material is a cobalt-niobium-boron alloy or an ironbased magnetic alloy.

[0079] Also in accordance with the present invention, the permanentmagnet material preferably includes a rare earth element. For example,the permanent magnet material is a samarium cobalt material or acombination of iron, neodymium, and boron.

[0080] While the invention has been described in its preferred versionsand embodiments with some degree of particularity, it is understood thatthis description has been given only by way of example and that numerouschanges in the details of construction, fabrication, and use, includingthe combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for generating electrical power, whereinsaid method comprises driving electrical current alternately through afirst input coil extending around a first portion of a first magneticpath and a second input coil extending around a first portion of asecond magnetic path, inducing a flow of electrical current through afirst output coil extending around a second portion of said firstmagnetic path due to changes in magnetic flux within said first magneticpath, and inducing a flow of electrical current through a second outputcoil extending around a second portion of said first magnetic path dueto changes in magnetic flux within said second magnetic path, said firstmagnetic path includes a first U-shaped magnetic structure extending ina first direction between opposite poles at opposite ends of a permanentmagnet, said second magnetic path includes a second U-shaped magneticstructure extending in a second direction between said opposite poles atsaid opposite ends of said permanent magnet, electrical current driventhrough said first input coil produces a magnetic field opposing aconcentration of magnetic flux from said permanent magnet within saidfirst magnetic path, and electrical current driven through said secondinput coil produces a magnetic field opposing a concentration ofmagnetic flux from said permanent magnet within said second magneticpath.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said permanent magnet has a poleof a first type at a first end, said first input coil is displaced alongsaid first magnetic path adjacent said first end of said permanentmagnet, said second input coil is displaced along said second magneticpath adjacent said first end of said permanent magnet, driving saidelectrical current through said first input coil causes a magnetic fieldto be generated having a pole of said first type at an end of said firstinput coil adjacent said permanent magnet, and driving said electricalcurrent through said second input coil causes a magnetic field to begenerated having a pole of said first type at an end of said secondinput coil adjacent said permanent magnet.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein said permanent magnet has a pole of a first type at a first endand of a second type at a second end, opposite said first end, saidfirst input coil is displaced along said first magnetic path adjacentsaid first end of said permanent magnet, said second input coil isdisplaced along said second magnetic path adjacent said second end ofsaid permanent magnet, driving said electrical current through saidfirst input coil causes a magnetic field to be generated having a poleof said first type at an end of said first input coil adjacent saidpermanent magnet, and driving said electrical current through saidsecond input coil causes a magnetic field to be generated having a poleof said second type at an end of said second input coil adjacent saidpermanent magnet.
 4. The method of claim 1, additionally comprising:driving a switching and control circuit by an external power sourceduring a starting process, wherein said switching and control circuitdrives said electrical current alternately through said first and secondinput coils rectifying a first portion of said flow of electricalcurrent through said first and second output coils to form a firstrectified output current; and driving said switching and control circuitby said first portion of said flow of electrical current following saidstarting process.
 5. The method of claim 4, additionally comprisingrectifying a second portion of said flow of electrical current throughsaid first and second output coils to form a second rectified outputcurrent flowing through an external load.
 6. The method of claim 5,wherein said first portion of said flow of electrical current flowsthrough said first output coil, and said second portion of said flow ofelectrical current flows through said second output coil.
 7. The methodof claim 1, wherein said first and second input coils are alternatelydriven for time periods of approximately 11.5 milliseconds.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein each said U-shaped magnetic structure iscomposed of a nanocrystalline magnetic alloy.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein said nanocrystalline magnetic alloy is a cobalt-niobium-boronalloy.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein said nanocrystalline magneticalloy is an iron-based alloy.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein saidchanges in magnetic flux within said first and second magnetic pathsoccur without driving said first and second paths to magneticsaturation.
 12. A method for generating electrical power, wherein saidmethod comprises driving electrical current alternately through a firstand a second plurality of input coils, and inducing a flow of currentwithin first and second pluralities of output coils by changes inmagnetic flux within a magnetic core extending through said input coilsand said output coils, said magnetic core includes an upper platesection extending around an upper aperture, a lower plate section,spaced apart from said upper plate section, extending around a loweraperture, and a plurality of posts extending in a first pattern aroundsaid upper and lower apertures and between said upper and lower plates,a plurality of permanent magnets extend in a second pattern around saidupper and lower apertures and between said upper plate section and saidlower plate section, each post within said plurality of posts extendsbetween an adjacent pair of permanent magnets within said plurality ofpermanent magnets, each permanent magnet within said plurality ofpermanent magnets extends between an adjacent pair of posts within saidplurality of posts, all permanent magnets within said plurality ofpermanent magnets have a pole of a first type at an end adjacent saidupper plate and a pole of a second type at an end adjacent said lowerplate, each input coil in said first plurality of input coils extendsaround a plate section within said magnetic core between a permanentmagnet and a post extending through an output coil in said firstplurality of output coils adjacent said permanent magnet and spacedapart from said permanent magnet in a first direction along said platesection, being oriented to oppose a concentration of flux extending fromsaid permanent magnet through said input coil when electrical current isdriven through said input coil, and each input coil in said secondplurality of input coils extends around a plate section within saidmagnetic core between a permanent magnet an a post extending through anoutput coil in said second plurality of output coils adjacent saidpermanent magnet and spaced apart from said permanent magnet oppositesaid first direction along said plate section, being oriented to opposea concentration of flux extending from said permanent magnet throughsaid input coil when electrical current is driven through said inputcoil.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein each input coil in said firstand second pluralities of input coils extends around said upper platesection.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein each input coil in saidfirst plurality of input coils extends around said upper plate section,and each input coil in said second plurality of input coils extendsaround said lower plate section.